Initiative helps vets qualify for security guard jobs

State Department of Labor Commissioner Peter Rivera on Tuesday announced a new initiative which grants veterans credit for their military experience.

“As we see our servicemen and women returning, we must ensure the highest level of services greet them at home,” he said. “And that begins with jobs.”

Experience Counts is an initiative announced by Gov. Cuomo in 2011 to help veterans find jobs across the state. Currently, the Department of Labor has 91 Career Centers to assist veterans who are looking to enter or reenter the workforce.

“I am proud to announce another Experience Counts program,” Rivera said. “And urge all veterans to visit their nearest New York State Career Center to see what opportunities are available in their region.”

The new addition to the program certifies veterans to become a licensed armed security guard through an on-site training program. The program is free of charge. Once the veterans are trained, the Career Centers will help place them.

Currently, there are more than 8,000 security guard jobs available in New York, including 365 in the Capital Region, according to the Department of Labor.

“Part of the mission of DCJS is to approve security guard training schools and oversee the curriculum used in that training,” Michael C. Green, the executive deputy commissioner of the State Division of Criminal Justice Services, said in a statement.

Job fairs scheduled

Veterans are also invited and encouraged to attend some of the “Be A Hero-Hire A Hero” job fairs in the upstate area in the months to come. For more information about the job fairs, go to www.beahero-hireahero.com.

“We are proud to be part of this program,” said Green, “which paves the way to enhanced employment opportunities for veterans by recognizing that their military service has already provided them with some of the skills and experience necessary to transition into a civilian career as a security guard.”